I’ll see what I can do to bring more life into these pages in the new year. A lot has happened in the 8 years since anything was posted here … the new year will see the launch of a website to support a book to start a movement and continue a small enterprise I’ve been developing since 2010. In the coming weeks http://www.deeplevellove.com will open, and one very simple message will hopefully resonate loudly: “I Love You!”

I wasnt planning on painting just yet, but I couldn’t pass up an invite to participate in a group show last month. My first painting in 2 years was inspired by a Picasso cubist work, recalling the ancient classical theme of 3 dancers, while putting my own touch on the style. This is the start of a style I’ve contemplated, and worked up in test sketches but never a finished piece. Until this one … as much as one can finish a piece in time for the hanging deadline.

I miss oils, and this was done in acrylic so as to not smell up my new apartment. But what I would give to do a figurative series like this in oils!

The following is a rare exclusive interview with Andy Warhol’s famous can of Campbell’s Condensed Tomato Soup [TM reg. pat. off.], which was Campbell’s first brand of soup originating in1897, appearing in the upper left corner of Warhol’s renowned “32 Campbell’s Soup Cans” series of 1962.

This insightful talk offers a rare candid glimpse into the trend setting New York art scene of the early 60’s. How excited I was to be able to interview such a star icon of pop culture! The can obliged to meet with me with the provision that no Swiss army knives or oyster crackers could be in the room. [note: all instances of referring to the can as “Tom” have been removed at the agent’s request.]

I: Thank you for you time Tomato Soup can. It’s been over 46 years since being discovered by Andy Warhol, and making it to the top of the silk-screening scene at “The Factory” in New York City. Your popularity today shows no signs of drawing back. How did you feel back then, going from one factory canning process, to another in art at “The Factory”?

Can: “ ”

I: Yes, it is indeed one of those existential questions without easy or utter-able answers. I suppose it was by random chance you were preserved from consommé or otherwise consumed existence (self referring laughter ensues). Tell us how are you feeling after all these years?

Can: “Exp. date Nov 1969”

I: *laughs* Many of us feel past our expiration dates by a certain age, but certainly you don’t look too yellow around the label. Time has been good, and I’m sure you’ve seen much. Care to relate any wild tales from the NY art scene of the 60s?

Can: “ ”

I: Your hesitancy is natural, and if you prefer to keep your memories private we’d understand … but could you offer perhaps just one tidbit of enlightenment to our readers?

Can: “condensed”

I: Indeed! The confluence of diverse inspirational catalysts certainly permeated the very air in those heady times! Besides Mr Warhol himself, who else would you say were some of the top movers and shakers in those days?

Can: “ ”

I: Perhaps you speak of John Cage. It would be hard to say who else, with so many of the avant-garde counter-culture running around The Factory – like musicians Lou Reed, John Cale, Nico … filmakers, photographers, painters, actors … and who can forget Ultra Violet, or Edie Sedgwick?
How do you feel that the highest price paid for any of the Soup Cans was $11.66 million US in 2006, for a torn labeled Pepper Pot can … and not Tomato?

Can: “ ”

I: As diplomatic an answer as I can imagine. I’ve felt it somewhat gauche that certain puerile interests in human nature find cans in various states of undress more provocative.
It’s interesting to me that few realize that there were 32 different Campbell’s soup can flavors appearing in the original 1962 show, yet you remain the most iconic of the group!
Do you think the Chicken with Stars soup can is still as presumptuous as back then? And what do you say about the modern “Healthy Choice” low sodium can version of you today?

Can: “ ”

I: Tactful answer. Yes, probably best not to say without your lawyers present. However, if I may ask … which do you prefer, mixing with water or milk?!

Can: “ ”

I: *laughs* Maybe you burned the photos by now. Quite the steamy pot running around the streets of the Village back then, eh wot?
Regarding Warhols choice to pick you as a pop icon: it seems he consumed quantities of similar soup substances before holding you up before the world. It’s been debated whether someone’s suggestion prompted him, nevertheless he was quoted as saying “I wanted to paint nothing. I was looking for something that was the essence of nothing, and that was it.”
How do you feel about that statement?

Can: “ ”

I: Truer words could not be said … the genius that you are! (applauds)
Well Tomato Soup Can, we certainly appreciate your time *not* opening up to us, as you might smell a bit by now …but we certainly hope you continue to enjoy your sweet success maintaining stark reverence to basic patented consumer marketing … or wait, were you supposed to parody that?

Reborn again
as re-posted from mymyspacespace: myspace.com/somedaysunlight

* * *
A portion of an ancient celtic poem “The Book of Taliesin” forms the inspiration for these lines. http://www.maryjones.us/ctexts/t07.html (near end). I borrow just 2 or 3 allusions, recreating them with personal meaning and infusing them with new reference and with rhyme, copying only the very first and last line. Seers who would peer into future possibilities, must first be aware of the past. To know where one is to go, one must know whence one came. History is the power and authority behind todays steps, for our yesterdays form our tomorrows.

* * *

The second time I was created
I was a salty wave which kissed the shore
I was a leaf shading the oak that bore me
I was a cougars’ roar

I was a spawning salmon living only for my children
I was a falcon winging o’er crag
I was a roe buck clinging to mountain
I was the noble stag

I was a treasure beneath a rock
I was a digging spade
I was a key that fit the lock
I was an ever glade

I was a double-edged sword
for a year and a day
before I was a short-lived flame
I was a dogwood bloom in May

I was a web-weaver
so too I was a fly
I was the sweetest honey comb
I was a horse you could not ride

I was a brave young bull
I was a field of clover
I was a freshwater spring
that bubbled up and over

I was a blackberry once
despite my many thorns,
my enemy the blue jay swallowed me
in nine months I was reborn

I was forsaken until I was taken
and borne upon the living word
I became a river of life
and so I was restored

I was once a Woolly Bear
and in just one life I gave
the chrysalis but not a grave
and so a butterfly became

Ever child, born of woman
today with princely strive
I am now a man
I was dead, I was alive

As I look back on over a year of recording my musings online, I notice with some interest that at each step of triumph, there comes a challenge that severely tests me at that place and time. I smile to myself as I see how puny those problems were. It can always be worse, and “knock wood” it won’t. All we can hope for is to expect the best . . . and prepare for the worst, and hope we learn not to make the same mistakes, or continue to go over old worn out patterns again in futility.

If it don’t kill ya, it hunts you down until it does … unless you use your brain!

Today I face the biggest challenge yet, with possible bigger ones in its’ wake, unless I step very carefully. There’s no reason to indulge in frivolous blogspiel under these circumstances, so I won’t for now. Thanks goodness for friends – the good ones who stick with you.

Well, well, take me back out to the ballgame! The 7th Inning in Baseball has traditionally been a time, late in the game, when a break is needed, and people stand up and stretch after a long, uncomfortable sit. There’s music, a song to be sung, maybe a bit of staged fun … and often it’s the last call for beer!

Life has just offered me a brand new opportunity. Sad, scary, and exciting all at the same time, and at my age, and I’d better run with it – as said to me by the young man on the radio call in spot. He’s the one who said I’m in the 7th Inning of life. Yeah I was actually on the radio.

I remain rooting for the home team, but then again I dont care if I never get back.

Been trying to keep busy re-educating myself in 3D basics, and stretching what I know to get some portfolio items accomplished. One would think I learned stuff like how to make water or terrain in my Certificate course, but sadly no … so here I’ve tried to “yoke the two oxen” together.

Click to make bigger.

Also working on a tree, with leaf textures, to create an array, as well as a simply low poly model of Lara Croft. She should be fun to rig, so I can get back into animation. How can I have a portfolio without a buxom babe?